A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Ho Chi Minh City vs. Mexico City for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Ho Chi Minh City or Mexico City?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Ho Chi Minh City and Mexico City can help you decide which place is right for you.

Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City is a cultural, chaotic, and vibrant city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. It's also popular because of the shopping, museums, and theater.

Mexico City

Mexico City is a vibrant, dynamic, and colorful city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Ho Chi Minh City and Mexico City: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Numerous theater shows
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Big city activities
Things to Consider
  • Public transit not as usable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
  • Big city activities


Is there more to do in Ho Chi Minh City or Mexico City?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Ho Chi Minh City than Mexico City. While Mexico City is larger than Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Ho Chi Minh City is very popular for its theatre productions, while Mexico City attracts visitors for its historical sights. Ho Chi Minh City is more touristy than Mexico City and is known for its motorbike-filled streets, bustling markets, world-class cuisine, and diverse shopping opportunities. It is also well known for the War Remnants Museum. Mexico City is famous for its vibrant street food scene, colorful markets, and historic architecture.

How is Ho Chi Minh City different from Mexico City?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Mexico City and Ho Chi Minh City. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Ho Chi Minh City or Mexico City?

Ho Chi Minh City
Mexico City

You'll find a number of world-class museums and attractions in both Mexico City and Ho Chi Minh City.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Ho Chi Minh City has many famous sights for visitors. It's a day trip outside of town, but the Cu Chi Tunnels are a must-see stop for any visitor. The War Remnants Museum is also a not-to-be-missed spot. Other highlights of the city include Thiên Hau Temple, the Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica, the Saigon Opera House, and the Reunification Palace.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Mexico City that are not to be missed. The city is filled with historic buildings, fascinating museums, and interesting landmarks. At the heart of the city is Zócalo, where the country's constitution was signed. Nearby you'll find the National Palace, the Metropolitan Cathedral, and the Templo Mayor. Other interesting museums in the city include the National Museum of Anthropology, the Palace of Fine Arts, and the National History Museum.


Is Ho Chi Minh City or Mexico City Better for Theater?

Ho Chi Minh City
Mexico City

Ho Chi Minh City is a popular place for its shows and theatre. However, Mexico City is not a theatre destination.

You'll find a nice selection of shows in Ho Chi Minh City. Water puppetry is a traditional art form that originated in the rural areas and was brought to the city. It is a fun cultural experience that kids and adults both enjoy. You can see it at The Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theatre.

Mexico City is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Ho Chi Minh City or Mexico City? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Ho Chi Minh City
Mexico City

Foodies will find both Ho Chi Minh City and Mexico City both to be world-class destinations.

Ho Chi Minh City has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. This city, arguably, has some of the best food in Vietnam. You'll find everything from food stalls selling mouthwatering street food to luxury restaurants preparing traditional dishes with a modern twist. Banh Mi (a Vietnamese sandwich) and Pho (Vietnamese soup) are the most well known dishes around town, but also try the Bún mắm (a noodle dish) and Bún bò Huế (a beef based soup).

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Mexico City is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. The city food scene is as diverse as the population itself. There are countless ways to experience the amazing street food, but there are also world class chefs working in award winning restaurants. Make sure you try the chilaquiles, tacos al pastor, and chiles en nogada.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Mexico City Better for Nightlife?

Ho Chi Minh City
Mexico City

The vibe at night is world-class in both Ho Chi Minh City and Mexico City.

People head to Ho Chi Minh City just to party. The city never settles down and you'll find all night parties and dance clubs open into the early hours. Backpackers keep the energy high, but there are also luxury clubs and more relaxed places where you can have a good night out if the backpacker thing isn't your scene.

The nightlife in Mexico City is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. It's a huge city, so of course there's no shortage of diverse nightlife activities. Some of the most popular neighborhoods for nightlife include the downtown, La Condesa, and Colonia Juárez. For upscale clubs head to Polanco and for trendy and eclectic venues check out Roma.


Is Ho Chi Minh City or Mexico City Better for its Old Town?

Ho Chi Minh City
Mexico City

Mexico City is very good for its historic old town charm. However, Ho Chi Minh City does not have a historic old town.

Mexico City has an old town worth visiting. Centro Historico spreads out from Zócalo Plaza, and has many buildings that date back as far as the Aztec period. Many tourists gather here to explore the history and wander down the pedestrian-only Calle Madero.

Ho Chi Minh City does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Ho Chi Minh City or Mexico City?

Ho Chi Minh City
Mexico City

If you're looking to go shopping, Ho Chi Minh City and Mexico City both offer plenty of world-class spots.

Many people travel to Ho Chi Minh City specifically to go shopping. The city is filled with a mix of modern shopping centers and local shops selling traditional items. You'll find international brands as well as uniquely Vietnamese products. The city also has some of the best boutique shopping opportunities in Southeast Asia.

Mexico City is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city has everything from open-air bazaars (tianguis) to modern shopping malls. There are international brands as well as local art galleries, handicrafts, and retail outlets.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Mexico City Better for Families?

Ho Chi Minh City
Mexico City

Ho Chi Minh City is very popular for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Mexico City is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Ho Chi Minh City is a very family-friendly destination. Kids may feel overwhelmed at first, but they're sure to fall in love with the energy and kid-friendly activities in this city. There are traditional water puppet shows, kid-friendly restaurants, and fun parks. There's also the Suoi Tien Theme Park, smaller water parks, zoos, and art museums to explore.

Mexico City is a very family-friendly place to visit. It's a huge city, so there are enough diverse activities to keep everyone entertained. There's even a Six Flags. Popular museums for kids include Papalote Museo del Niño and Museo de Geología. There's also the Acuario Inbursa, and make sure you check out a Lucha Libre show.


Is Ho Chi Minh City or Mexico City Better for Couples?

Ho Chi Minh City
Mexico City

Ho Chi Minh City is an excellent place to visit for couples. Also, Mexico City is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Ho Chi Minh City makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. If you're looking for a vibrant cultural scene with excellent restaurants, great parks, and countless day trips, this is the ultimate couple's getaway.

Mexico City is a nice destination for couples. The city is filled with parks where you can enjoy a picnic, museums that are fascinating to walk through, and cultural activities that are one-of-a-kind. You can ride on a gondola in Xochimilco or spend the day exploring the amazing food scene.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Mexico City Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ho Chi Minh City
Mexico City

Ho Chi Minh City is very popular for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Mexico City is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Ho Chi Minh City, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. It's well established on the Southeast Asian backpacker's circuit and you'll find no shortage of hostels in town. You'll find a good number of backpackers in District 1 of the city, near Ben Thanh Market. Many backpackers also arrange trips to the Mekong Delta or elsewhere in Thailand while they're here.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Mexico City. It's a big city with a wonderful atmosphere and many hostels. Backpackers who want to experience the culture, food, and personality of Mexico will love a visit here.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Mexico City Better for Students?

Ho Chi Minh City
Mexico City

Mexico City is great for its student-friendly activities. Also, Ho Chi Minh City is not as popular, but is still a nice city for students.

Mexico City is very popular with students. International students love the art, architecture, food, and culture that this colorful city has to offer.

Ho Chi Minh City is a good city to visit for students. Study abroad students appreciate the city's energy and plethora of activities. It also makes a good base for trips to other parts of Southeast Asia.


Is Ho Chi Minh City or Mexico City Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Ho Chi Minh City
Mexico City

Mexico City is great for times when you don't have a car. However, Ho Chi Minh City is not a good destination for its public transit.

Mexico City offers a very effecient public transportation network. The city has a complex and comprehensive public transit system that includes a metro, metrobus, and local buses.

Public transit is generally limited in Ho Chi Minh City. There are public buses around town but motorbike taxis and regular taxis are likely your best bet for getting around.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Mexico City a more walkable city?

Ho Chi Minh City
Mexico City

Ho Chi Minh City is a popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Mexico City is lacking in options for its walkability.

Ho Chi Minh City is a somewhat walkable city. In certain neighborhoods it's fairly walkable, but you may have to dodge a motorbike here or there.

Mexico City is generally not very walkable. While you can walk within many neighborhoods, such as the historic city center, it's impossible to walk between neighborhoods and in many parts of the city.

For even more information, also check out Is Ho Chi Minh City Worth Visiting? and Is Mexico City Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Mexico City or Ho Chi Minh City?

How long in Ho Chi Minh City or Mexico City?

In either Ho Chi Minh City or Mexico City, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Mexico City than Ho Chi Minh City because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-4 days is a good amount of time for Ho Chi Minh City, and 3-5 days is enough time in Mexico City.

Families should spend more time in Ho Chi Minh City than Mexico City. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Ho Chi Minh City, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Ho Chi Minh City than Mexico City. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Ho Chi Minh City that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Ho Chi Minh City than Mexico City if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Ho Chi Minh City.


  • How many days in Ho Chi Minh City or Mexico City? Ideal Length of Stay
    Ho Chi Minh City 3-4 
    Mexico City 3-5

One day in Ho Chi Minh City or Mexico City?

Ho Chi Minh City is a colorful city where you can fill many days. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

You'll find food and shopping around the colorful big city of Mexico City. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.


A weekend in Ho Chi Minh City or Mexico City?

Ho Chi Minh City is a colorful big city where you can fill many days. This city offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

You'll find shopping and museums around the diverse city of Mexico City. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

Five days in Ho Chi Minh City or Mexico City?

The cultural city of Ho Chi Minh City offers theater and nightlife. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Mexico City is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Ho Chi Minh City or Mexico City?

Many people enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting Ho Chi Minh City. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Mexico City is a great place to explore. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Mexico, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Mexico.


Which place is cheaper, Mexico City or Ho Chi Minh City?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Ho Chi Minh City is $82, while the average daily cost in Mexico City is $212. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Ho Chi Minh City and Mexico City in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Ho Chi Minh City $50
    Mexico City $41
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Ho Chi Minh City $100
    Mexico City $82
Compare Hotels in Ho Chi Minh City and Mexico City

Looking for a hotel in Ho Chi Minh City or Mexico City? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Ho Chi Minh City


Hotels in Mexico City


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Ho Chi Minh City Hotel Prices and Mexico City Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Ho Chi Minh City $15
    Mexico City $13
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Ho Chi Minh City

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Ho Chi Minh City:


  • Short Taxi Ride
    $1.41
  • Taxi From Airport
    $8.07
  • Cyclo Ride (One Hour)
    $1.61

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ho Chi Minh City

Also for Ho Chi Minh City, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Try find better than us! Airport Transfer in Ho Chi Minh APT-HTL (SGN): $19
  • Transfer from Ho Chi Minh to Airport Tan Sơn Nhat: $17
  • Transfer Services from Phu My Port to Ho Chi Minh City: $79
  • Tan Son Nhat International Airport Transfer: $23
  • Tan Son Nhat International Airport Private Transfer: $19
  • Tan Son Nhat Airport: Private Transfer to/from Ho Chi Minh: $22
  • Tan Son Nhat Airport: Bus Transfer to/from Ho Chi Minh City: $17
  • Tan Son Airport Arrival Private Transfer to Ho Chi Minh City: $32
  • Swandor Cam Ranh Resort to Nha Trang - Private Transfer: $20
  • Shared Bus Transfer Between Saigon and Nha Trang City: $11
  • Shared Arrival Transfer - Hanoi Airport to Sapa Hotel: $71
  • Saigon: Cu Chi Tunnels & Mekong Delta Tour with Car Transfer: $144

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Mexico City

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Mexico City:


  • Metro
    $1.19
  • Uber Ride
    $4.18

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mexico City

Also for Mexico City, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Mexico City → San Miguel de Allende - Private Transfer with Optional Sightseeing: $292
  • Mexico City to Guanajuato - Private Transfer with Optional Sightseeing: $273
  • Mexico City International Airport to Mexico City - Private Round-trip Transfer: $256
  • Transfer from Mexico City Airport to Puebla: $245
  • Mexico City to Guanajuato - Private transfer, 2 Sightseeing hours, local driver: $240
  • Roundtrip Transfer Private Minivan Mexico City Airport (MEX) - Mexico City: $187
  • RoundTrip Transfer Private Minivan Mexico City Airport (MEX) -Tlalnepantla: $167
  • Mexico City to Puebla - Private Transfer with Optional Sightseeing: $155
  • One-way transfer + City Tour: $147
  • Mexico City Airport MEX Tecozautla Thermal Round-Trip Transfer: $143
  • Toluca Airport TLC to Toluca Hotels Round Trip Private Transfer: $130
  • Toluca Int Airport(TLC) to Toluca - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $130

Is it cheaper to fly into Ho Chi Minh City or Mexico City?

Prices for flights to both Mexico City and Ho Chi Minh City change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Ho Chi Minh City $14
    Mexico City $27
Typical Food Prices in Ho Chi Minh City

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Ho Chi Minh City:


  • Street Food Dinner (for Two)
    $4.32
  • Pizza
    $5.25
  • Sweet Rice
    $1.21
  • Pork Sandwich
    $0.61
  • Casual Lunch (for Two)
    $6.85
  • Western Lunch (for Two)
    $12

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ho Chi Minh City

For Ho Chi Minh City, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Saigon Food Tour & Culture Explore Ho Chi Minh City Walking Tour: $15
  • Ho Chi Minh City Street Food Tour by Motorbike/ Car with Student : $19
  • Saigon: Backstreets Private Walking Food Tour & 10 Tastings: $25
  • Private Walking Food Tour with Local Students : $26
  • Ho Chi Minh Street Food Tour By Motorbike +Sightseeing SAFE & FUN: $26
  • Top Niche Walking Street Food Tour with Uni Student: $26
  • Walking Street Food Tour Ho Chi Minh City: $27
  • Food Tour by Scooter with Eleven Tastings: $27
  • Saigon Private Eleven-Tastings Food Tour by Scooter: $28
  • Ho Chi Minh: Thirteen-Tastings Private Walking Food Tour: $29
  • Super Niche Walking Street Food Tour in Ho Chi Minh City: $29
  • Ho Chi Minh Private Half Day Street Food Tour with Local Students: $29

Typical Food Prices in Mexico City

For Mexico City, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Lunch for Two
    $13
  • Coffee and Snacks
    $4.65
  • Dinner for 2
    $27

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Mexico City

For Mexico City, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Traveling Spoon Mexican Tacos and Tortillas Private Online Cooking Class: $40
  • Virtual Mexican Cooking Class (private and personalized): $50
  • Tortilla Crawl: Food Tour in Mexico City: $55
  • Private Half-Day Traditional Markets Street Food Tour in Mexico City: $57
  • La Roma Authentic Downtown Food Tour: Tacos and Local Flavors: $75
  • San Angel Mexican Food Tour : $80
  • Flamenco Tablao Live Show & dinner: $83
  • Rural Cooking Class at the Mountains: $85
  • Small Group Multi Variety Mole Cooking Class in La Condesa: $86
  • Small Group Multi-Variety Tamal Cooking Class in La Condesa: $86
  • Private Mexican Cooking Lesson in a Coyoacan Apartment: $86
  • Mexico City Origins: Archeology, History, Art & Food Tour: $86

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Ho Chi Minh City $20
    Mexico City $15
Typical Entertainment Prices in Ho Chi Minh City

For Ho Chi Minh City, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Massage
    $5.65

Tours and Activities in Ho Chi Minh City

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Ho Chi Minh City.

  • Amazing Tour in Dalat city: $45
  • Chan May Port to Hoi An Ancient Town & Marble Mountain Car/Tour: $10
  • Cu Chi Tunnels half day tours: $39
  • Half Day Private Tour in Ho Chi Minh City: $70
  • Mekong Delta Discovery Day Tour - My Tho - Ben Tre: $46
  • Mui Ne,Fairy Spring, Sand dunes, Fishing Village, Private Tour: $290
  • Non-Touristy Mekong Delta with Biking in Ben Tre Private Tour: $40
  • Private Mekong Delta 1 Day Tour: $65
  • Private Tour Water Puppet Show And Cruise Tour On Saigon River : $65
  • SAIGON SHORE EXCURSION: Past and Present Tour from Cruise Port: $111
  • Saigon Unseen City Day Tour and Local Food by Scooter: $39
  • Vietnam Classic Day Tour in Ho Chi Minh with Cu Chi Tunnels: $18

Tours and Activities in Mexico City

For Mexico City, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • City Tour/español-ingles: $68
  • Frida Kahlo Tour with Admission Tickets: $76
  • Mexico City Tour and Visit Chapultepec Castle. Private service: $119
  • Private City Tour Downtown Mexico City: $35
  • Private Tour Teotihuacan Essentials: $129
  • Private Walking Tour Historic Center of Mexico City: $130
  • Romantic Walking tour in Mexico City: $150
  • Romantic tour in San Andrés Mixquic: $150
  • Teotihuacan Early Access tour with Tequila Tasting: $42
  • Teotihuacan Private Tour: $135
  • 1 Day Hot Air Balloon Tour to the Pyramids in Teotihuacan: $295
  • 2 Day tour Teotihuacan pyramids +City tour & Xochimilco : $132

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Ho Chi Minh City $8.07
    Mexico City $20
Typical Alcohol Prices in Ho Chi Minh City

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Ho Chi Minh City:


  • Beer
    $0.40

Sample the Local Flavors in Mexico City

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Mexico City:

  • CDMX Pub Crawl: Mexico City Bar Crawl: $25
  • Mexico City Bar Crawl: $39
  • Best Bar Crawl at Downtown: $49
  • Private Mexican Wine Tasting & Food Tasting: $78
  • 2 Hours Private Mexican Wine Tasting in Polanco: $155
  • Third Largest Monolith in the World:Bernal with wine tasting: $235
  • Cavas Freixenet Wine Tour from Mexico City: $255


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ho Chi Minh City and Mexico City, we can see that Mexico City is more expensive. And not only is Ho Chi Minh City much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Ho Chi Minh City is in Asia and Mexico City is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Ho Chi Minh City would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Ho Chi Minh City and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Mexico City would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Mexico City than you might in Ho Chi Minh City.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Ho Chi Minh City Expensive? and Is Mexico City Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Ho Chi Minh City or Mexico City?

Mexico City has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Ho Chi Minh City. When comparing the sizes of Ho Chi Minh City and Mexico City, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.